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Ensuring Avast Antivirus is installed and actively protecting your PC

If you experience an issue with Avast Antivirus, we recommend you verify that the program is properly installed, activated, up to date, and protecting your PC before taking further troubleshooting steps.

Ensure Avast Antivirus is installed

Right-click the Windows Start button and select Apps and Features from the menu that appears.

Ensure that your version of Avast Antivirus is visible in Apps & Features.

Press the Win key and X key simultaneously, then select Programs and Features from the menu that appears.

Ensure that your version of Avast Antivirus is visible in Programs and Features.

Click the Windows Start button and select Control Panel.

Under Programs, click Uninstall a program if you are using the default category view,
...or click Programs and Features if you are using the large/small icons view.

Ensure that your version of Avast Antivirus is visible in Programs and Features.

Click the Windows Start button and select Control Panel,
...or select Settings ▸ Control Panel if you are using the classic Start menu.

Under Programs, click Uninstall a program if you are using the default category view,
...or double-click Programs and Features if you are using the classic view.

Ensure that your version of Avast Antivirus is visible in Programs and Features.

Click the Windows Start button and select Control Panel,
...or select Settings ▸ Control Panel if you are using the classic Start menu.

Click Add or Remove Programs if you are using the category view,
...or double-click Add or Remove Programs if you are using the classic view.

Ensure that your version of Avast Antivirus is visible in the list of programs and features that appears.

If your version of Avast Antivirus does not appear in the list of programs and features, the program is not installed on your PC. Refer to the relevant article to install your preferred version of Avast Antivirus:

Determine whether your license is active

Right-click the Avast icon in your system tray and select Subscription information from the menu that appears.

On the My licenses screen, confirm that the text Active appears next to your version of Avast Antivirus listed under Licenses on this PC. You can also see the expiration date and number of days remaining for your active license.

If your license is not active, refer to the relevant article to activate your preferred version of Avast Antivirus:

Ensure your Avast Antivirus is up to date

To ensure you are fully protected, keep Avast Antivirus up to date at all times. If you are unsure whether you are using the latest version of the program or whether the virus definitions used by the program to protect you are up to date, refer to the following article:

Determine whether your PC is protected

Right-click the Avast system tray icon on your Windows taskbar, and select Open Avast user interface.

Ensure the Status tab is selected from the left panel.

The Green Status screen with text You're protected indicates that all protection components are enabled, and Avast Antivirus is actively securing your PC. When this status appears, no actions are required.

A Red Status screen indicates a critical issue with core antivirus components, which require your immediate attention, while a Yellow Status screen indicates an urgent issue. If a red or yellow status is displayed, click the relevant action displayed below the status to ensure your PC is fully protected:

Resolve: resolves an issue with active protection components, such as Core Shields.

Turn On: enables components which help to ensure maximum protection, such as Firewall or automatic updates.